Cary chief to lead Buffalo Grove police

The head of the Cary Police Department was named the new Buffalo Grove police chief Friday, according to a news release issued by the village.

Steven Casstevens will assume his post on June 10, replacing Steve Balinski, who retired in April after serving the village for 36 years.

Casstevens was selected from among 75 applicants from 24 states. Prior to joining the Cary force in 2011, Casstevens worked for 30 years in Hoffman Estates, where he began as a patrol officer and left as assistant chief of police.

A reception to welcome Casstevens will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 17 at village hall, 50 Raupp Blvd.

Village Manager Dane Bragg described Casstevens as a leader who doesn't shy away from a challenge.

"Steve demonstrated the highest level of competence in leading a first-rate law enforcement agency, a commitment to strong and ethical leadership, and the management qualities the village needs to maintain the department as a top-tier agency," Bragg said in a statement.

In Cary, Casstevens managed a $3.8 million budget for a department with 28 sworn and five civilian personnel. He developed new policies and procedures and was the designated emergency service disaster agency coordinator.

"In the course of my career, it has been a source of personal pride that I have been involved in innovative programs that have saved lives, reduced injury and brought national recognition to the communities that I have worked for -- I look forward to being a part of the future of the Buffalo Grove Police Department," Casstevens said in a news release.

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the X in the upper right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.